Message From the CEO

In my first message to our membership, I focused on the August 10 derecho—and rightly so, as the storm had a profound impact on both our Cooperative and our membership. Now, in my second message, I’d like to take some time to introduce myself and reflect on my new role as CEO.

During my interview, I recall one of my statements to the Board of Directors: “I truly love what I do at ECI REC, and at this point in my career that should be enough—but it is not. I want to lead our Cooperative.”

It’s an honor and a privilege to have been chosen from a pool of qualified candidates to serve as the next CEO and general manager of East-Central Iowa Rural Electric Cooperative. I am passionate about this Cooperative, our employees, and our membership. It is my desire to continue our vision of making a difference in the lives of those we serve.

I am new to the role of CEO, but I am not new to ECI REC, our values, or the cooperative business model. I began my career with Benton County Electric Cooperative Association, a parent cooperative of ECI REC, handling work orders and line material. I have been blessed with many great mentors along the way and have been promoted 4 times in my 28 years with the Cooperative.

For the past 17 years, I have served ECI REC as the manager of finance and consumer services. I had the privilege of hands-on training with past chief executive officers, providing support and advice on strategic planning, staffing, and union negotiations. I assisted with strategizing policy changes, financial planning, retail rates, and regulatory issues to present to the Board of Directors. I spent 10 years preparing in earnest to take my career to the next level as CEO. I graduated from the Manager Internship Program and Cooperative Financial Certificate Program, and I built a network of colleagues across the state and nation.

During my time with ECI REC, we have invested in our employees, implemented technology, improved reliability, and remained true to our core mission of providing safe, reliable, affordable, and environmentally responsible electricity to our membership. There is still much to be done—ideas to consider, strategic goals to meet, technology to research, investments to make in our employees, and lights to keep on—all while doing what is best for the Cooperative. I am humbled and honored for the opportunity to serve ECI REC’s members and employees.